Scottish police make arrests after rival Glasgow protests

Police in Scotland said officers made a number of arrests on July 25 after disorder linked to rival demonstrations in Glasgow city centre.

Anti-immigration and anti-racism protesters held opposing demonstrations around Glasgow Green, a park southeast of the city centre. Police Scotland said officers were responding to incidents of disorder connected to a planned protest in the park and that a significant policing operation was in place.

Anti-immigration group Unite The Clans Scotland had advertised a protest starting at 12:00 pm local time under slogans including "save our women and children" and "protect our future". Stand Up To Racism held a counter-demonstration, saying it was opposing the far right in Glasgow.

Unverified footage posted on social media showed scuffles and violent confrontations between the rival groups in and around Glasgow Green. Police, including mounted officers, could be seen intervening, and attendees on both sides were wearing masks.

Police Scotland said the situation was particularly challenging and that officers were working to bring the incident to an end. The Glasgow Green rally was the latest in a series of immigration-related protests in Scotland's largest city. Towns and cities in neighbouring England have also seen similarly themed demonstrations in recent years, some of which have turned violent.